Re-Devotional: July 7-13 Refocus

July 7^th

Refocus

Yesterday I went to my home church for the 8am service. As always I was struck by the beauty of the sanctuary as the sun begins to fill the sky, the height of the ceilings, and the welcoming presence of those in attendance. Yet I was also not completely there mentally... As we waited for the service to start I started mentally running the grocery list that I needed to shop for after the service, I was thinking about the thank you card's I had to finish when I got home, and I started to plan how my day off would go as I tried to balance everything that "needs" to be done.

I sung the hymns, read the prayers, passed the peace, listened to the scriptures but I wasn't really worshiping, I was just at a worship service.

"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Then the pastor reread these verses. She said that rest does not mean being lazy, but it means we are partnering with Jesus. The journey we take will continue to have its ups and downs but it will be easier to bear when we yoke ourselves to Christ, connecting to what feeds our soul. 

So today, on my day off, I'm going to do what feeds my soul, what causes me to come to Christ. I may read a book, or bake something crazy, or just spend some time talking to God. The laundry will be there, the cat hair will remain, the dishes may stay clean in the dishwasher...I on the other hand will be going back to my roots, reassessing my priorities, and making time for the One who walks beside me.

May we all make time amidst our hectic lives to refocus where we put our energies too.

Lord, let us not lose sight of you in the busyness of the day-to-day. May we earnestly seek you and make time to commune with you. Amen 

July 8^th

Refocus

When I was in first grade we had to take vision and hearing tests during our gym period. While the hearing test went fine we found out that I had problems reading things close up and needed glasses. Luckily I only needed glasses to read and not for everyday use. When we went to the eye doctor he did some tests and talked to my parents and I. Then he told us he was prescribing me bifocals because it would be easier to train my eyes to look through the different lenses and I would be more likely to use the glasses. It would be easier to just give me regular glasses instead of a specialty lenses but it would be better to have the bifocals for present and future use.

And this is kinda like our faith journey. It's easy to talk to those sitting next to us in the pew and harder to be talk to stranger. Easier to attend worship weekly and harder to get involved with a small group or ministry. Yet to talk to that stranger, join that small group, pushing outside of what is comfortable our faith becomes an integral part of daily living; creating better relationships with others, God and self.

What are the things you need to refocus?

Holy one shift our vision so we can see you more clearly in this world. Amen

July 9^th

Refocus

Recently I stumbled across some old videos from my college choir days. Although not so long ago it was amazing to see how much I’ve changed and reminisce on amazing memories of tours, concerts and unlikely friendships. I was reminded how much I miss choir and the fellowship that came with it. I was also reminded how much I miss singing. There was a point in my life that when I wasn’t in class or working I was at rehearsal.

As I thought more about this gap I was feeling I realized that what I missed most was the fellowship. I missed staying up late with choir friends in dorm rooms, random midnight diner adventures, planning study dates at the library. This community was so important to my development and growth as an individual and leader. So today I’m making a few calls, sending a few facebook messages and shooting out some emails to those who made and make up the community that surrounds me. I plan on being more intentional with these friendships because they are some of the best treasures I have.

Lord, may I treasure those around me and the adventures we have. May I try to be present and live in the moment. Amen   

July 10^th

Refocus

Yesterday was crazy, or at least felt as much. Between deliveries, visits and day-to-day I walked up and down the stairs at least 8 times. This elevator construction has been a test on my leg muscles, stamina and general breathing. It was a bit frustrating that I had to keep leaving my desk for other things not in my plans. But about the fifth time coming up I realized I wasn't slowing down as much, my breathing was a little easier and the flights seemed to appear faster.

As a christian there are times I've gotten frustrated during worship, in prayer and in fellowship. These frustrations have happened when I didn't feel like God was listening, when blessings seemed to pass me, and when I didn't feel God's presence. Yet in each instance I realized it wasn't because there was a DON'T from God but a DON'T from me. I needed to refocus how I looked at the situation to see God's hand in it.

May we not be discouraged but hold fast to the fact that God is always there.

Ever-present God help me to shift my view to see you in every aspect and situation. Amen.

July 11^th

Refocus

A friend of mine posted on twitter "Jesus' invitation is "follow me." No time for details, or getting life together. Just go. Life on the edge." It got me thinking about what a life on the edge should, or does, look like. As I thought about it I realized for many of us that's how we can describe living in NYC.

There's a lot of uncertainty, we don't know how long we will be here or sometimes where our next lease will take us but we seem to take it all in stride. Its what shapes as New Yorkers-transplants or home-grown. There is a sense of trust you have, with yourself and the universe, that it will all work out in the end.

As people of faith that's the promise we have-that it will all work out. New places means new adventures and opportunities for growth. Life on the edge challenges us to be flexible, patient, ready.

I challenge you to do something out of your norm in the next week!

Lord-may I live on the edge for you. Amen

 

July 12^th

Refocus

It's amazing what self care does for mental health. I have always been a person who gives my all to everything I did and do. But giving my all meant I got emotionally invested in things and situations that weren't really important, I needed to learn to separate myself for my own health.

My mom is such an inspiration for me. While she's always been amazing, in the last five years I have been awed by how she balanced looking out for self while taking care of others. One of the things my mom committed to was doing yoga at least 4 days a week. Her commitment to take time for herself, to reset and meditate have caused her to take things at work, church and home in stride. She seems more relaxed and makes meaningful experiences out of everything. Her example challenges me to live fully.

I have been blessed these past few months to try new things, to be surrounded by people who are genuine, to have coworkers who encourage personal development and time for self, and to feel loved. I couldn't say that this adventure would be happening a year ago but I'm so glad I let go of unhealthy situations to allow for a change.

May we all be encouraged to shift how we take care of self-body, mind and soul.

Loving God help each of us are make self a priority, doing something that feeds the soul. Amen

July 13^th

Refocus

Bring a man a fish and he will be fed for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will be fed for a lifetime.

-anon.

As I've been meditating this week on this topic of "Refocus" I've been thinking about what it means long term. I've realized by refocusing my efforts, priorities, and relationships I am also creating a different kind of legacy for those who I mentor, cousins, and others. This legacy is one of intentional living.

Last week a member of my home church died. He was 77 and had been suffering with an illness for 2 months prior. I had worked with this man on church cleanup days and had heard about his exploits in the army and working for the local school system, he always had a story. Now I was not raised in my home church, I've only been involved for the last 2-3 years. My fiance and his family were raised there though and this man was a grandfather of sorts to my fiance and his siblings. They have shared numerous stories of advice he has given, funny moments at church and lots of memories.

As we went to the viewing it was amazing to see the amount of people crammed into this tiny room, but what was more amazing was the amount of laughter. Everyone had a funny story or memory to share and someone would always agree with what was being said. Yes people were hurting but we all knew that he had lived his life to the fullest, giving his all and teaching what he could to anyone who would listen.

It's hard to know if your life has a legacy while you are still here. But I'm trying to live a life as the above quote says; teaching not doing. I'm learning to let go of my need to be in control. I am learning to trust that the only way someone will learn is if they do it themselves. I am changing, continually refocusing to be a better me.

May you live your life fully and with intention, creating meaningful moments for all.

Holy One help us to let go of a need for control and live a life of legacy. Amen